Kmcalpin

Financially, I'd say yes. Numbers wise probably one more if thats JBA's wish. However, there are a large number of complicating factors. I suspect there will some outgoings and maybe one return (Ewan Wilson, who hasn't set the heather on fire at Kirkcaldy). We might also receive bids for some players and Welsh's position isn't 100% guaranteed. So its a bit unclear at the moment. We also have the prospect of long term absentees like Nicholson, Robinson, Stuparevic, Sule and McGhee to consider. Some of those could be punted out on loan. Potential outgoings? Rumours of Aston Oxborough being unsettled; Kofi Balmer, Andy Halliday, Esapa Osong. Loans for Luca Ross and Dylan Wells (whatever happened to him?) I don't think we need or will do a massive amount of business next month; more of a tidying up/fine tuning exercise.

A very satisfying result and to a slightly lesser extent, performance yesterday. It was very impressive how JBA managed to make so many personnel changes and the team still put in a performance. We've adopted a true squad game. We started off on the back foot with Livi changing their style to a hunting in packs, man marking game. They'd obviously been watching Falkirk closely, as we suspected they would. However, that didn't last, thanks in large part to Watt's impressive strike. Their overall possession stat of 42%, wasn't the worst we've seen from opponents. They also managed an impressive number of shots at goal, which will be of concern to JBA, but fortunately almost all were well off target. They also bettered our corner tally. As the game wore on we took control and some slick passing and fast breaks had many fans spilling their bovrils coffees. We also spurned a few chances, either when the cross was poor or when no-one was in position for them when a good un came in. The 3rd goal epitomised our day; a great build up from box to box. A real team goal. Had we won 6-1 then no-one could have taken umbrage at the injustice to Livvy. Satisfying to notch up another clean sheet. Some good individual performances. Callum Ward is suited to our system and whilst never under pressure, pulled off 2 great stops. SOD really came onto a game after a shaky start (we'll forgive him after enforced absence) and Koutroumbis was impressive. Just and Watt caught the eye and Fadinger must not be overlooked for the quiet work he did under pressure. For listeners to Sportsound, it was very satisfying to pick up 6 points in the one day after beating Dundee United as well. Presumably next week's game at Tannadice will be cancelled. 😁

Some merit in this view. You'd hope that we're monitoring Welsh's position very carefully; not to secure him on a longer deal, of course, but in case Celtic decide to flog him to a Championship team down south. Its also possible bigger fish in the food chain are eyeing up other players like JT, Just or Watt. I still think we're short of a main striker up front. Stama is falling short of what we need and Hendry isn't the kind of player we need, bless him. His signing raised a few eyebrows at the time, as he's never been a true goalscorer.

I can't possibly believe that. Anyways, welcome back San. You've been missed of late. Your posts are always worth reading.

Yes, he did, implying VAR got it wrong. BBC also suggesting same. Really?

Leopard doesn't change its spots.

Alexander Selkirk if you don't mind.

Probably why Dougie Imrie left.

The jury was already out on Robinson before his injury and many including myself concluded that he wasn't a goalscorer. The only decent main striker we seem to have on our books just now is Sule and he's never really been tested.

I think its more a case of converting very impressive possessions stats into a commensurate number of actual goals. As we've seen we sometimes struggle to score in games where we dominate the opposition.

Surely we're looking to bring in another striker next month along with a relief left back. Probably a few departures on the cards too maybe on loan, eg Stuparevic et al, to clear the decks a little.

John McGlynn appears to have us sussed out, will Martindale learn from his tactics? Hopefully Watt not out for too long.

A great result, if not performance. Falkirk are playing well but are benefitting from spades of good luck. Add to that a poor plastic surface which was deviously managed and we can be very satisfied tonight.

That practice should be outlawed.

As they have all season.

I think he was fit very briefly under JBA, with the emphasis on briefly. All we've been told is that he's out until after New Year, which could mean anything.

Well that's informed unbiased punditry - not. Why is he being employed?

Rossco at home.

Absolutely. If he was so minded to do so, David Gray could come on here and explain out tactics to a tee, as could other rival managers.

Very strange, as you suggest. Their attendances this season seem to vary between 7,176 (Livingston) and 7,652 (Rangers and Dundee). I'd guess they allocate about 600-700 seats to away fans.

Fair comment. I think their stadium capacity is around 7,600, which they could probably just about fill with their own fans alone, at least temporarily, whilst they're on a good run. Away fans are taking up seats their own fans would use and yes, thats an unwanted irritation. Thats how they view the situation.

I think Falkirk are big enough now that they don't need to concern themselves with away fans. Quite simply we're an unwanted distraction.

Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's game, probably moreso than Tuesday's game against Hibs. We were up against 11 men for the duration of the match and playing the league leaders. We fully deserved our point but didn't quite do enough to warrant all 3. A good first half, shaky 25 minutes after the break and finished strongly. Make no mistake, Hearts had all the hallmarks of a proper Derek McInnes team. JBA got his tactics spot on in the first 45; McInnes reacted well at half time and JBA regained control with his late changes. We played well in the early stages but didn't create much and overelaborated. Unlucky to be denied an early goal by VAR again. A shoulder offside? I ask you. Neither clear nor obvious. Hearts started the second half well and had us pinned back for a good 20 minutes or so, but we didn't buckle. The highlight of the game for me was Callum Hendry's goal line clearance. In general though, our defence played well and Stephen Welsh was my MOTM. The midfield wasn't quite firing on all cylinders, but played well nonetheless. We finished strongly, but poor finishing allowed Schwolow that little, but all crucially important opportunity, to showcase his skills. Still, we created chances. I thought Kevin Clancy had a poor game and was outthought by Derek McInnes' charges. The crime count of 4 fouls and 2 bookings versus 14 fouls and 4 bookings tells its own story. Shankland should have received an early yellow for lifting his hand and smacking one of our players in the face; and Devlin should have received a second yellow. Lessons learned for us? We need to be more clinical up front and probably a goalscoring main striker should be on our shopping list. Callum Hendry and Ap Stam just don't do it for me. A missing piece in the jigsaw.

Agree that that it will be a very difficult game. Falkirk are a decent side whose style isn't bad although a tad overhyped. Their most impressive quality right now is the good luck that they're carrying. This season they've received at least one game changing 50/50 decision in their favour in most games. Right now, a draw would be a great result for us.

Just in front of us. No I don't think so. Didn't see one at any rate. I wonder what upset McInnes at full time. Didn't see or hear anything untoward.